Common App Essay Tips: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Introduction

• Recent video on Common App essay performing better than previous videos.
• Aim to discuss common mistakes in essays that the speaker frequently encounters.
• Tips provided are unique and not commonly found in other videos.

Common Mistakes in Common App Essays

1. Incomplete or Forced Metaphors

• Issue: Elaborate metaphors introduced in the introduction but not addressed again until the conclusion.
• Advice:
  • Ensure metaphors are significant and integrated throughout the essay.
  • Avoid clichés; metaphors should provide fresh and personal perspectives.

2. Direct Statements

• Issue: Excessive direct statements (e.g., “I learned…” or “I’m happy when…”).
• Advice:
  • Focus on descriptive, personal experiences rather than simply stating feelings.
  • Show, don’t tell; personal anecdotes are more compelling than blank statements.

3. Lack of a Catalyst for Change

• Issue: Essays often don’t explain the cause of personal changes.
• Advice:
  • Convey what prompted the transformation.
  • Ensure that the focus is on the individual’s journey and decision-making process.
    • Example: Instead of saying, “I changed when my fish died”, explain the thought process leading to personal organization.

4. Focusing on Others Instead of Yourself

• Issue: Prolonged focus on other people’s qualities rather than personal achievements.
• Advice:
  • Limit mentions of others and redirect attention to personal strengths and experiences.
  • Acknowledge the impact of others but prioritize self-promotion in the essay.

5. Overuse of Adverbs and Excessive Descriptions

• Issue: Inclusion of unnecessary adverbs and overly descriptive language that doesn't enhance the narrative.
• Advice:
  • Use descriptions that genuinely add to the reader’s understanding of significant life moments.
  • Avoid clichés and forced adverbs that detract from the essay's authenticity.

6. Repetition of Ideas

• Issue: Repeated concepts throughout the essay, often disguised as different wording.
• Advice:
  • Each sentence should add value and contribute new information.
  • Avoid using the previous paragraph’s ending as the beginning of the next one.

Conclusion

• Emphasize the importance of ensuring each sentence serves a purpose in the narrative.
• Encourage focusing on the development of ideas rather than the quantity of ideas presented.
• Speaker invites feedback and interest in more content about essay writing tips.

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